Sydney’s depth stocks have taken a self‑inflicted hit after young defender **Riak Andrew** was suspended for five matches for using a homophobic slur during the Swans’ 26‑point VFL win over North Melbourne at Tramway Oval on 19 July.
The incident unfolded midway through the opening term when Andrew, 20, directed the slur at a Kangaroos opponent following a brief tussle. The Roos player reported it to the umpire at quarter‑time, triggering an AFL Integrity Unit investigation that ruled the language “highly offensive” and a breach of Rule 2.3(a) – *Conduct Unbecoming*.
Andrew—picked at No. 55 in last year’s national draft and younger brother of Gold Coast ruck Mac Andrew—accepted the finding, issued a written apology and will complete Pride in Sport education. “While I didn’t grasp the impact of my words in the moment, I’m deeply sorry for the harm caused,” he said.
The five‑game ban, covering AFL Rounds 20‑24 and corresponding VFL fixtures, effectively ends the 193 cm backman’s debut year. Coaches had been impressed with his intercept marking and were considering a senior call‑up; instead, he will now miss Sydney’s annual Pride Game, a centrepiece of the club’s inclusivity calendar.
Swans chief executive **Tom Harley** labelled the behaviour “completely unacceptable”, pledging further education on respectful language. AFL general counsel **Stephen Meade** echoed the sentiment: “Homophobia has no place in our game or any workplace.”
Andrew becomes the fourth AFL‑listed player suspended for homophobic language since early 2024, highlighting the league’s hardening stance on vilification. Players already undergo yearly inclusion training, but the AFL says additional modules will roll out across state leagues before the 2026 season.
While Sydney remain inside the top eight, losing a developing key defender heaps extra pressure on veteran **Dane Rampe** and an already injury‑hit backline as the Swans push to secure a finals berth.
